Mar 5, 2013

Confession, I've never had a shamrock shake from McDonald's. But I love the idea of a green minty milkshake for St Patrick's Day, so I set out to make my own, with a bit less fat and calories.

Yesterday I drove to three McDonald's just to test them out, but no one seemed to carry them in my area, which surprised me since the commercials seem to be running frequently on my TV.

No worries, I figured I know what mint ice cream should taste like, I'm sure it's not much different.

I put a lot of thought on how I would make this sweet and creamy like a real ice cream shake, without having to add green food coloring. I knew I was going to start with Stonyfield's 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt, because I love it and am always amazed at how much it tastes like full fat vanilla ice cream. I also knew I would add a little spearmint extract to give it that minty flavor. But for the coloring, I was stumped, and then it hit me... avocado's are green, creamy and taste great in smoothies, so it was the perfect solution.

In fact, I may drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top next time I make this to get that mint chocolate chip experience. This is a fun dessert your kids I bet will enjoy!

As I read this I was thinking of my Dad the whole time! He LOVES mint chocolate chip ice cream but is also trying to lose weight! This is perfect! Thanks for, yet again, a healthy and delicious recipe!

Oh my gosh, this sounds delicious! I was just talking about Shamrock shakes last night and how I really wanted one, but how they are so unhealthy. I'm running to the store today to buy the ingredients and make this!

Bwahahahaha! I can't wait to trick my tween drama queen into drinking avocados. This would be perfect to sip on after going to Denver's St. Patty's day Parade. I don't know if I'm more excited about my evil genius plan to trick my daughter or about actually getting to drink this yummy thing.

I'm dying!! I LOVE the Shamrock shake, but when I started eating clean I made the rule "you can only have the holiday food on the actual holiday". But now I don't really even want it then - too much crap in it. This recipe? I am making immediately. I LOVE avocado in a smoothie - so delish!!

I was just thinking yesterday that I would LOOOOOVE a health(ier) version of a shamrock shake. So I came to your site... searched... nothing. And then this today!!!!It's like you read my mind! Thank you! Thank you! I can't wait to try it!

Where would one find the Stonyfield organic frozen yogurt? Do they carry it any any grocery store or do I need to look at specialty stores? I just started counting calories and have been a little bummed (but still excited) about giving up sugar and sweets as well, so this was so exciting to find! Im going to try it right away. pinning! Love Skinny taste! :)

Back again to tell you this recipe rocks!! I'm a Shamrock Shake lover, but I won't be getting one next year since I found this! I cut it in half to make a single serving and used unsweetened SoDelicious and it was only 130 calories! The avocado makes it so creamy - this was divine!

I'm not sure if you already know, but a McDonald's shake is pretty low fat anyways... 11 grams of fat for 12 ounces (if you don't put the whipped cream on); so, if you compare the same serving sizes, McDonald's and your shakes are about the same amount of fat. Yours is much healthier though, just sharing for those that are mostly just concerned with the fat and calories. McDonald's ice cream is reduced fat and delicious.

I'm so glad I had avocado and frozen vanilla Greek yogurt in hand (I have Yoplait though). I made this today and it tastes heavenly! I also added my favorite vanilla-flavored whey protein. It's so delicious it feels like cheating on my healthy eating, but it's not! I love the idea of using avocados to make it creamier. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe, I'll be making this over and over..

Loved this! I didn't have any Stonyfield 0% so I used Haagen Daz low fat though. It was very creamy and you couldn't taste the avocado at all, it just made it a very nice green color. Will definitely be making this again when I'm craving something thick and creamy.

I had a shamrock shake yesterday and regret it. It didn't really taste like anything other than sugar, not creamy, not minty, just so, so sweet. While I think it's funny to knock off something you haven't had, this is an innovative take and I might just try it!

This is magic... in a glass. No, seriously! Mint chocolate chip ice cream is my all time favorite and this is perfect! Creamy, minty goodness! Also, I do have to point out that having hunted down the suggested frozen yogurt I am now going to buy that when I want ice cream. You would never know it's not real full fat ice cream! Amazing!!

Definitely planning to try this! I never thought of Avocado! :D I was at McDonalds with my little guy today, contemplating the desire for a Shamrock shake and wisely turning away from temptation... THIS, I can really wrap my head (and lips) around. Thanks!!!http://wp.me/p38DGE-4o

Tried this tonight and it was fantastic! The mint extract is spot on. Peppermint is fine if you like it, but the mint extract is true to the flavor of a shamrock shake. Made this for hubby and a friend and it exceeded everyone's expectations. It is not even a sacrifice to have this over the fuller fat version. Everything I've made of yours is a winner. Thanks Gina!!

My daughter gave in to 'advertizing' and had to try the Shamrock shake at McD.. it was creamy, but flat. It definitely wasn't worth the calories -- empty calories. Green and creamy but not so great. I am glad you made one, much better for all!

Avocados always make their way into my smoothies. I'm not sure how it will change the calorie count (I don't really count those, I just like eating healthier), but I'm going to try it out this afternoon with my Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt and omit the mint extract. McDonald's Shamrock Shakes are nowhere near as good as they were years ago. I'm excited about this recipe.

Wow. I saw this last year and meant to make it, but never did. As I sip mine now, I know it will be a treat I make for years to come. I used Herb Pharm peppermint spirits (and a little too much avocado) and it is AMAZING. Even my daughter loves it.